Another New System

[MacDaddy]

Looking for advice-- planning for my first "real" HT system. Previously used what was primarily a music setup (large floor standing Infinities) no center channel, however my wife wants to push the big honkers out of the FR... Hate to see them go, but it gives me an excuse to spend some money and get some of the latest gear...

My room is fairly large (18x25) & open to the kichen on the right side 1/2 way back, 11' ceiling. Primary seating is 15' from screen. The first issue I want to tackle is what will work best for the fronts since I have to set them on shelves 36" off the floor. The L/R spaces are 14h x 22w, center space is is 9h x 22w. These spaces are closed on all sides except forward of course. I was thinking of a pair of LSi7s off of Polk Direct-- but also considering M30's or M40s which can be had for much less. The M40s would have to lay horzintally. Thoughts on putting any of these in a cabinet shelf space and/or a horizontal orientation for fronts?

I'm open to suggestions, just want to keep my total front price around 500 or so excluding sub, which I'm sure I will need for this setup.

[apphd]

Not sure if I'm one to take advice from but I'll give you my 2 cents worth, for what it's worth. You don't say what you plan on driving these with, or if that is part of the great deal your wife is giving you and you get to upgrade there also:D The LSi are 4 ohm speakers and you would want good power behind them in what is a somewhat large room open to kitchen. I would think you will probably want some pretty good power in that room with book shelfs regardless. Do you plan on adding surrounds as well? For what you have given for budget and size restrictions I think I would give the RTiA1s and CsiA4 a try.

As far as putting these in a cabinet shelf I don't have a good answer. I do not believe either of these are rear ported which is probably a benefit. Maybe someone that has done this with these speakers will see this and comment as to what it does to their sound. I would expect it to add some bass to them, which might not be bad. Make sure you set them up so they are right up to the front edge of the shelf and see how they sound. For the most part this will change the sound. It's just a matter of how much, and if it is acceptable to your ears. Some speakers might even benefit from this.

Almost forgot welcome to CP

[MacDaddy]

Thx. Good point about LSis being 4 ohms. The LSis ant RTis both seem to be ported in both front and rear. Since bookshelf setup is not something typically available in a demo room, I'm trying to identify speakers that might perform well in this setup. Kind of wondering if a smaller package such as VM10 might be safer.

I will be adding surrounds, most likely in-ceiling :( since wife doesnt want boxes and I cant drop them very far anyway due to the room configuration. A receiver also in plan but havent gotten too far on that-- lots to read and learn (more than I have time for). I was thinking Onkyo 606?, or a Denon in the same budget area. Total budget around 2K for everything, so I figured ~500 each for front & rears, ~300 for a decent sub, the rest on a receiver.

Again all advice appreciated.

[apphd]

The Onk 606 and any AVR in the same class will not be enough for 4 ohm speakers. I think the RTiA1 will out perform the VM 10 but this is based on nothing other than a personal dislike of sat. speakers. I'm still thinking that with the size of your openings for the front stage that you must deal with the RtiA1 and CSiA4 would be the way to go. You can get the CSiA4 on Polk Direct for $120 shipped + tax. Not seeing any A1's there right now but you could watch it for a while and score a good price on those as well. Or buy them at list of $340 and your coming in on budget. Not all the Rti line are ported front and rear, I think the A1 is only front ported. Add a couple TC614i in wall which should match up with the front stage pretty well. Shop around for a Pioneer VSX1018 in the $400 range. This speaker and AVR selection should perform well and give you around $200 more to add to your sub budget which I think you will be thankful for.

There are other choices for sure but I think this will be pretty good for the $$ and keep the wife happy enough she might let you keep playing........new display......BR player......amp.....mmmm the possibilities are endless as long as you find a way to keep the sig. other happy with the results.:D

[rayslifecycle]

Go for the Polk SoundBar 360 DVD theater....you wont be disappointed - and the whole system is within your price range - one speaker under or over your TV - add a micropro subwoofer if you are looking for extra powerful bass.......

Try to find a place to test hear it - I was amazed at how well it sounded when I heard this product at polkfest - by far the best demo of the day.

Your wife will love it and she will have more shelf space for her knickknacks!!!

link
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/surroundbar/

[MacDaddy]

Thanks for the input. I remeasured and actually have 16" in height, so I may go for the RTiA3s at about $100 more. Ive also stumbled across RTi4/6, but dont see them in product listings. I'm guessing these are a previous model..?

As for surrounds, cant do in walls. I have to either go with in-ceiling or wall mounted near the ceiling (one of the walls is exterior/ concrete so fishing a wire is not feasible). Also the back of the room is irregular shaped so in ceiling is prob best. They'll go about 4' behind primary seating (11' ceiling). TC620i for around $300 seems like a good fit.

Next task receivers & subs in the 400-600 range.

All inputs welcome.

[apphd]

Thanks for the input. I remeasured and actually have 16" in height, so I may go for the RTiA3s at about $100 more. Ive also stumbled across RTi4/6, but dont see them in product listings. I'm guessing these are a previous model..?

As for surrounds, cant do in walls. I have to either go with in-ceiling or wall mounted near the ceiling (one of the walls is exterior/ concrete so fishing a wire is not feasible). Also the back of the room is irregular shaped so in ceiling is prob best. They'll go about 4' behind primary seating (11' ceiling). TC620i for around $300 seems like a good fit.

Next task receivers & subs in the 400-600 range.

All inputs welcome.

You're well on your way! That extra 2 inches you found for the RtiA3 should reward you a lot:D To find the older models follow the "Support" link at the top of the home page, then: Looking for an older home product?" link in the upper left. Here is the Rti4 http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/rti4/

Check out: http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/p...1&CTID=5000300 or the HTR 6160 (basically same unit)

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...s/VSX-1018AH-K
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...vers/VSX-01TXH a little more but some think the "Elite" perform a little better.

http://www.harmankardon.com/product_...%20254&sType=C

Except for the Elite VSX-01THX you should be able to find the others for about $350 if you shop around. Not sure what you think of grey market but I would recommend going with authorized dealers, I don't think the extra $20 you might save is worth it. Get the best deal on one of these, so you can put as much as possible on your sub choice.

I hear a lot of good things about the Polk DSW series subs. Or see what you think of these:
http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_...roducts_id=407

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2-mk3.html

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-10nsd.cfm

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=300-392 This one might be a gamble. This Dayton "Elite Series" used to make more of a claim to be designed by Dr. Hsu and even called them Dayton HSU Elites when they first started to offer them. There is supposed to be a 12" avail. sometime also. Most everything I have been able to find on these is (which isn't much) that this is probably a good deal at this price. But for the list price you would be better off with the vtf-2.
You would probably need to go with a HSU or SVS to get a nice finish your wife will like, but except for a few extra $$ they are probably the better of what's available in this price range.
Of course there are many more options out there especially if you go used, or refurbished. But I tried to stay in your budget.
Good Luck

[MacDaddy]

Thanks for the links... I'll be getting into receivers shortly. Been a while so I need to edumacate myself on features. With this setup I'm not planning on anything more than 5.1. Any articles on choosing a receiver might be helpful...

Not heard either HSU or SVS subs but have seen nothing but positive comments on both. I am leaning toward an HSU-- probably the one you suggested. I like the down firing concept and they just look cool. Of course it may loosen my tile...

No purchases yet, have to wait for holiday bills to clear, but getting close...

Thanks again! (to be continued...)